Authors I Only Just Discovered in 2016 (Not Because I’m Late Obviously, Because Wizards Are Never Late)

I love meeting new authors!

And by “meeting” I don’t mean like, you know, actually seeing them face-to-face because that seems like unnecessary human contact and could end in death. * I mean “meeting” as in reading their books and blogs and twitters and instagrams and goodreads and just generally becoming their BEST FRIEND OF EVER when they don’t even know I exist. **

Good times!

One of the reasons I love reading books by authors I’ve never tried before is because I’ll have VERY VERY SMALL EXPECTATIONS.I have no idea what to expect! Ergo I don’t freak myself out with anticipation like I do for well-loved authors. Seriously I’m the PROCRASTINATING QUEEN. Do you know who’s read Gemina yet? Everyone except me.

I’m trying to feature some authors/books I don’t often talk about today…just to shake things up. Some of these authors are new hatchlings of 2016, but some I’m KIND OF ASHAMED OF HOW LATE I AM TO READ BOOKS BY THEM. Wait, wait. I’m not late. A wizard is never late and I am, obviously, a wizard.

* No no I’m not dramatic. LOOK AT HISTORY. When humans gather together, tragedies happen — like wars and pestilence and bakeries running out of delicious cinnamon scrolls just when I needed one.
** Fun fact: I’ve never actually met an author or been to a signing! THIS IS BECAUSE I’M A FIGMENT OF YOUR IMAGINATION AND I DON’T ACTUALLY EXIST. You haven’t seen my face, hmm? I’m not here.
*** Yes my bookshelf is my perch where I nest at night and through most of the day while I absorb books by osmosis.

1. JEFF ZENTNER

You know those books that kind of just mANGLE YOU COMPLETELY??? The Serpent King is one of them. I totally recommend it. Plus it’s a debut which means this dude is beginning a nice long career of probably DESTROYING ME because I will auto-buy any book by Jeff Zentner. Are you getting a feeling for how good this is?! It has (A) a blogger, (B) a fantasy novelist nerd, and (C) an adorably tragic musician.

IT IS SO GOOD.

Come here, I have a secret. Shh, now, let me whisper it in your ear…

IT’S SO SO SO GOOD.

2. JENNY HAN

Why did it take me so long to read a Jenny Han book?! BECAUSE I AM HERE FOR STABBING AND DASTARDLY ACTS OF ADVENTURE. Not this fluffy nonsense–

Okay, okay, I have to confess. I absolutely adoredTo All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Like someone please take back my Bloody Adventurer Reader Frequently Stamped Card because I fell in love with this FLUFF. It has Korean sisters who are adorable and sweet and funny and who BAKE together. SO MUCH FOOD. THERE IS FOOD EVERYWHERE AND I’M IN LOVE. With the food. Obviously.

So spoiler: sometimes I like fluffy nonsense. What is this world coming to.

3. JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT

This is one of those authors who’s written fifty billion books (or, like, 30 as Goodreads politely corrects me. I can’t say anything these days without Goodreads slipping me a small note that says “CAIT YOU’RE WRONG AGAIN CAN’T YOU COUNT WHY DON’T YOU KNOW MATHS.” When am I going to catch a break??) So I didn’t know where to START amongst those fifty billion. Luckily for me my library said *, “Here Cait, start with The Problem With Forever“. And I accepted.

Also it’s pretty downright BRILLIANT with a side dish of tragic and that cover, amirite?! Also it features a protagonist with Selective Mutism and a Latino love-interest. And it features my feels, on the floor, being broken.

* Okay so my library DOESN’T CARE ABOUT ME THAT MUCH to actually ignore it’s “inanimate” status and speak. But. I do have an alert system set up on my library website that sends me an email when they buy new books. So basically the Library and I are BFFs with all the emails we swap. I don’t like the rude ones that say “return this book or I’ll murder your face with a spoon” however. #rude

4. KATRINA LENO

I’m kind of furious at myself for not taking a photo of The Half Life of Molly Pierce when I was at the library…BUT I DID NOT. BECAUSE I AM SHORT SIGHTED AND DESERVE THE LABEL OF “DELUDED GRAPE” QUITE FREQUENTLY.

Moving forward.

I read and adoredThe Lost & Found earlier in the year, so then dug out the author’s previous book about Molly Pierce. LOVED IT TOO. ALL THE LOVE. I wanted to buy an actual copy of The Lost & Found but…that cover.

5. TARA SIM

Now Tara Sim is only a fresh authorly hatchling, but already I’m in love with her writing style. It’s emotional but not angsty and she writes the CUTEST romance between an anxious clock mechanic and a clock spirit. AND YOU KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT GHOSTS RIGHT??? *

Also I completely adore the cover of Timekeeper because it gave me an excellent opportunity to sneak into my sister’s room and steal her amazing steampunk stopwatch clock thingie. FOR BOOKSTAGRAM REASONS, YOU SEE?? I mean, I gave it back. After I sneaked like the greatest sneaker who ever snuked. **

* I freaking love ghosts. I wrote a whole book about ghosts once and broke my mind with love for the adorableness of dead people. Wait. WAIT. THAT SOUNDED BAD.
** What? Are you accusing me of not knowing the English language? Firstly, HOW DARE YOU. Secondly, you’re completely right.

6. ALWYN HAMILTON

Sometimes I forget about Rebel of the Sands because I read it 900 years ago. (Aka I read it at the beginning of 2016 AND THAT’S THE SAME AS 900 YEARS AGO.) BUT I LOVED IT. Persian setting with guns and mythological monsters and incredible sandcastles of sass?? This is for me. It is absolutely for me.

I don’t even know how you can combine a Wild-West-Guns-And-Train-Fights vibe with Persian fantasy…BUT IT WORKS.

7. STACEY LEE

Now I didn’t have so much luck with Under A Painted Sky…I mean, I did like it!! Because VIOLINIST CHARACTER. (I am an ex-violinist.) But the Wild West journey just seemed a bit slow and same old. HOWEVER!! Outrun The Moon was so incredible I nearly ATE IT. #LogicalReaction But I still recommend both of them and this author in general because she is an incredible author and also has more (!!) epic sounding books coming out in 2017!! Both these books feature Chinese protagonists in historical settings. OH. And Outrun the Moon is full of chocolate.

No wonder I loved it.

8. WILL KOSTAKIS

I reeeeally wanted to have a #LoveOZYA author on here despite me being a grapefruit and reading mostly American authors. Shame on me. SO WILL KOSTAKIS IT IS! For good reasons! The First Third is actual hilariousness. So much so that I actually went out IMMEDIATELY and libraried The Sidekicks. Don’t look at me like that. “Libraried” is totally a word.

Also here’s something I didn’t know till I was just stalking his website and GR profile for this post recently: he was a teen author!! WOOOO. And he’s Greek-Australian and The First Third is an #ownvoices novel! AND HIS BOOKS ARE REALLY FUNNY. And very Australian, mate.

9. Sona Charaipotra & Dhonielle Clayton

Cutthroat ballet school books aren’t usually my thing — BUT I CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT TINY PRETTY THINGS. Most books I read, I review, I’m done. But this?!? I have at least 67 questions and all the mystery aspects were still left open and I don’t have the sequel in my clammy paws when I need it.

Thanks for nothing for recommending it to me, Emily. I HOPE YOU’RE ENJOYING MY PAIN. (Who am I kidding. I know you are.)

Also the diversity levels of are of awesome here. Two of the narrators are POC (June is Korean and Gigi is black) and it deals with mental illness as well. And it’s also really stressful. So great.

Look, just go feel the pain that I’m feeling. READ IT.

10. PATRICK ROTHFUSS

I confessed recently that I’m starting to really become dangerously obsessed with adult fantasy. Why is it dangerous?? BECAUSE I JUST WANT TO READ IT AND WHEN PEOPLE INTERRUPT ME I WANT TO SMACK THEM WITH A NOVEL AND DO YOU REALISE HOW BIG THESE NOVELS ARE??? Very big. ProTip: don’t smack people with them. We all like life.

I do solve this problem, also, by mostly listening to audios instead of reading 600+ page tomes. And the audiobook for The Name of the Windis amazing. BEST narrator. BEST story. BEST magic. BEST cleverness. Why did it take me so long to try this author?!

Also there’s like 78 years between series installations so….why did I start this series? That is an excellent question considering I have the patience of exactly nothing.

Also is it just me or (A) does the author look like the mentor wizard you find on a quest, and (B) did anyone else’s brain pronounce Rothfuss as “Rufus” * because they can’t read? No? Just me? Okay then.

okay time for you tell me some amazing authors you’ve discovered this year!! (they don’t have to be published in 2016!) I’M ALWAYS OPEN FOR RECOMMENDATIONS TOO. also i’m sure you never steal things off your family for #bookstagram reasons, right??? and has anyone else never met an author face-to-face?? or if you have…WHO DID YOU MEET?! (oh oh link me to your TTT posts for sure!)

Comments

This was an awesome post! I really need to reread The Name of the Wind and the Wise Man’s Fear! Jenny Han is amazing and The Serpent King is FREAKING BRILLIANT. Let’s see, this year I discovered Gabrielle Tozer who is amazing, and The Night Circus and Huntley Fitzpatrick and Ruta Sepetys. Ruta Sepetys writes AMAZING compassionate historical ficiton. I’ve met an Indian childrens’s author, and also Vikram Seth, who wrote the BIG DEAL BOOK A Suitable Boy, which I haven’t read, and Patrick French and William Darymple, who are non fiction writers. But yeah… I’ve never made it to Jaipur Literature festivals and not many authors visit india so…Shanti recently posted…‘Tis the Season of Rereading a little something different

AHHH I LOVE HUNTLEY FIZPATRICK TOO!! And Gabrielle Tozer is amazing and omg I really need to read Ruta Spetys books…like why haven’t I? I’ve just done nothing this year honestly omg.😂 And cry with me about the Serpent King, Shanti. WHY IS THAT BOOK SO BRILLIANT AND YET I AM DEAD INSIDE.

Yessss Alwyn Hamilton! I love Rebel of the Sands so much, especially its world-building!
Name of the Wind has been on my bookshelf for awhile now, but its massive size has me kind of intimidated. Listening to the audiobook is a great idea though! I’ll have to try it 😀Melissa @ Quill Pen Writer recently posted…What My Stories Have Taught Me

Eeep, I totally get the intimidation with Name of the Wind. IT IS A BEAST.😂 Listening to the audio totally helped with that fear of the size though. I PROMISE. (Especially if you listen to it on double speed. *whistles innocently*)

I AM ALSO VERY BEHIND ON AUTHORS. I missed Timekeeper on NetGalley and I was THE SAD D: Now I’ll just have to wait until it’s published (AND ALSO TILL I HAVE MONEY??? WHAT IS MONEY???) to read it. IT’S A HARD LIFE GAH. I have been recommended The Name of the Wind SO MANY TIMES and haven’t lifted a finger because I AM A SMOL SCARED SEA CUCUMBER and adult epic fantasies SCARE ME OKAY BARTHOLOMEW??
I need to do some serious catching up.Esther @ Queen of Fantasy recently posted…10 Ways I am a Horrible Person and Mistreat my Children (AKA BOOKS)

TIMEKEEPER IS PUBLISHED, ESTHER, AND IT CALLS TO YOU. *throws it at your face* I mean, money is a problem. Maybe look pitiful in front of it in a bookstore or something and Santa will buy it for you??? #sensibleplan

And dude, omg, I know with Name of the Wind. IT’S HUGE AND TERRIFYING. But I solve these problems with the audios because then I don’t have to get freaked out by all the pages. IT’S A WIN WIN SITUATION.

YOU HAVE CLEARLY BEEN LIVING UNDER A ROCK, ESTHER. COME OUT AND EMBRACE THE SUNSHINE. (I’m just kidding.😂 I never know what’s happening either hahah.) But yes listen to the audiobook. I have spoken. I am never wrong.

TINY PRETTY THINGS YASSSSSS. Omg so many of these authors are FULL of awesome. I’m going book-buying tonight and I think I may have to add a few to my list…because I’m loving the sound of Timekeeper. Will Kostakis is also an excellent choice 🙂 And just look at you go with all that diversity. So proud 🙂

YESS YOU NEED TIMEKEEPER YOU WILL LOVE IT! And if you don’t just pretend I didn’t say that.😂 And omg I know right?! I’m so happy that so many of my favourite books this year are full of diversity!! *sprinkles confetti and cake crumbs on the world*

Isn’t Jenny Han amazing? I love her style! AND WILL KOSTAKIS IS JUST HILARIOUS! *slinks away because haven’t read any of the other books* This is an amazing list though, need to look out for some of these books 😁

Hi, Cait!
Oh, you can’t even imagine what a perfect author I found this year. She writes the best fluffy, feels-like-holiday-for-your-brain type of books and we even have been emailing and I stepped up the reader ladder and was allowed to PRE-READ HER BOOK!!! I’m so hyped because she’s such a nice, lovely, funny, fluffy person. I’m actually meeting her in two weeks and I am worried, that she won’t like me in person. What do I do if she doesn’t like me? My heart will break and turn into this daisy-killing void that eats mashed potatoes and listens to Death Metal. (At least that’s what I guess a reader’s broken heart will feel like. All the grusome things that you tend to avoid.) 🙁

Also, I think I need to read “Timekeeper”. It sounds delightful. I adore steampunk. So there’s that. 🙂
LG, m

Oh, well. Her name is Charlotte Cole. But her books are not available in english, so… I’m sorry about that. I wish you could read them. Unless, of course, you know german, then I will gladly force you to read all of her books immediately.
But I almost forgot about Jean-Paul Didierlaurent who wrote “The reader on 6.27”. That book feels like evening sunrays through the fog and dewdrops on meadows in the morning and the smell of a book and watching sleepy people on the train. *swoon* If you don’t know it put it on your wish list.
LG, m

I love myself some Jenny Han!! I have also had Rebel of the Sands on my kindle for months now and I STILL haven’t read it! I really should … also, charaipotra and Clayton ❤️❤️ You seriously need to read the sequel because it is EPIC!!! *Ahem*Lauren recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday

I haven’t read anything by any of these! I read my first Stephen King and Margaret Atwood novels this year! If I’d made my post last night, Hari Kunzru would’ve made the list, but I have been an organised potato and queued up four posts – including this one – over the weekend, and I didn’t want to take anyone out. 😉

I need to read something by Stephen King….SOMEDAY.😂 I’m so late to that one it’s a bit embarrassing now. Aw, I understand the unorganised potato feels. *pats shoulder* You’re still a marvellous potato. 😉

Awesome list. Tara Sim, Alwyn Hamilton and Patrick Rothfuss have all been on my ‘meaning to read’ list for a while. Hopefully I’ll find time to get to them in 2017. Rothfuss’s books are a bit daunting due to lengh though.

Wait CAIT. (That rhymes, apparently😂) You should DEFINITELY NOT BOTHER WITH MATHS. Leave that subject alone to fend for itself😂 Use the help of Goodreads instead! Ok?? Ahem omg I need to read the Serpent King so bad!! I don’t really know it’s whereabouts on the TBR, BUT I WILL GET TO IT. And I also read To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before and its sequel AND SO MUCH CAKE❤️🍰🎂Prabhleen recently posted…THE FRENCH IMPRESSIONIST BOOK REVIEW

YOU’RE SUCH A TALENTED RHYMER THERE. 😉 And omg who cares about maths. It’s just not worth it. I mean, who needs numbers? I don’t even want to count how many books on my TBR so clearly maths and I can get an official divorce.

Great list! I love Jennifer Armentrout’s Covenant series, and am yet to check out her other books. I’ve heard so many good things about The Serpent King so I’ll definitely be putting that on next year’s TBR.

So many awesome authors! If I haven’t read their stuff before I have them on the list now. Because I am easily influenced. A couple that you mentioned have been on my TBR pile for months (The Serpent King- what am I waiting for?)

GAHH. This list. Okay so obviously Jeff Zentner had to be on there. The Serpent King is my favorite book of the year and it’s gorgeous and Jeff is supernice but also gorgeous. (Ahem. WHAT? HE IS.) Also Alwyn Hamilton, yay! Rebel of the Sands was AWESOME.

YES. I always read “Rothfuss” as “Rufus” and I know it’s wrong because Rufus is a naked mole rat, not an author 😂!!
I’m also starting to get into adult fantasy, BUT WHY ARE ALL THESE BOOKS LITERAL BRICKS?? Brandon Sanderson is a fantastic fantasy author that I discovered this year.
Oh, since you like ghosts, you should definitely read In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters. She’s another author I discovered this year and she combines the paranormal with historical fiction in her books. IT’S GREAT.

Hehe, at least I’m not alone in my “I apparently can’t read” problems.😂 BUT YES OMG, WHY ARE ALL THE ADULT FANTASIES THE SIZE OF ACTUAL CUBES?!? I swear these authors are trying to break our arms off.😂 And I’ve heard of Cat Winters but I haven’t read anything by her yet! Definitely a gal for 2017 right?!

OHHH Jeff Zentner is definitely on my auto buy author list as well! And sshhh… I actually read The Serpent King because I read your glowing review hahaha and no regret because IT WAS SO GOOD! <3 I'm so excited for his upcoming book. I also just discovered Jenny Han this year. I mean, I knew all about The Summer I Turned Pretty but never felt compelled to read it but then I read To All the Boys I've Loved Before and absolutely adored it! I have Rebel of the Sands sitting on my bookshelves for MONTHS but have yet to read it… now that it won best debut author I'm definitely moving it to the top of my TBR 😛 Some new to me authors I met this year are V.E. Schwab (I KNOOOW I'M LATE BUT I made up for it and binge read all her books), Jandy Nelson, and Jennifer Niven <3Puput @ Sparkling Letters recently posted…Review: The Bone Season // Definitely Didn’t Live Up to My Expectation

OMG I CONVINCED YOU TO READ THE SERPENT KING?!??!?! *flails happily* Oh that’s like the best news of ever.😂 And like doubly awesome that you liked it too! (Can we cry together now??? Like how was it so beautiful and hopefully yet so so heartbreaking omg.)

VE SCHWAB IS BRILLIANCE. I’m glad you’ve been converted to her too!! Jandy Nelson and Jennifer Niven are also flawless. 😍

Not exactly convinced me-convinced me, but I read your super glowing review and I WAS SOLD 😂😂😂 and I’m so happy because I didn’t think I would’ve picked it up on my own hahaha I don’t think I could cry anymore though my tears were shed so much when I read this 😛Puput @ Sparkling Letters recently posted…The Emoji Book Tag // Two of My Favorite Things in One Post

I just picked up the Jeff Zenter and Sona Charaipotra & Dhonielle Clayton books at the bookstore over the weekend. I’ve been hearing good things about these two and I’m excited to read them. I loved Rebel of the Sands and have already gotten the ARC for the sequel coming in 2017. I’m going to read that one before Christmas I hope. So many books and so little time!!Bill recently posted…Top 10 New to Me Authors I Read in 2016

OMG YOU ARE IN FOR A GLORIOUS TIME THEN. *flails* And omg lucky you getting the Rebel of the Sands sequel! I’m absolutely desperate for it, eeep, although I probably should re-read the first book because I’ve forgotten so many details.😂

Mr. Zentner is THE MAN! Right now The Serpent King is tied with The Smell Of Other People’s Houses for my top book of 2016. He and Boinnie-Sue Hitchcock will be on my top five list on Friday. I think Alice Hoffman will be on that list, too.

That Rothfuss guy looks like a Scottish poet, or a goat herder. Ha ha. I have never heard of him before, I will check him out.There will most definitely be more Adult Fantasy and SciFi on my plate next year. 🙂

YESSSS JEFF ZENTNER IS JUST AMAZING AND THAT WAS HIS DEBUT SO IMAGINE WHAT HE’S GOING TO WRITE NEXT?!??! I’M FREAKING OUT WITH ALL THE EXCITE.😊😊 And omg you hadn’t heard of Patrick Rothfuss?!? Hehe. Well if you like adult fantasy, his book is BRILLIANT. I’ve got the sequel on my iPod right now!!

yes, I pronounced it like rufus. XD
my new auther is Shanan messenger, who wrote keeper of the lost cities. (READ IT. NOW. AND YOU BETTER BE A SOPHITZ FAN!!!!!!)
or was that last year? I’m not sure, except that it took FOREVER for lodestar to come out, and now it’s taking FOREVER for #6. >:[
Most crazily, ~OliveOlive recently posted…What we did on Thanksgiving

Oh YAY!! And I actually am like 78% sure that Will Kostakis’ books are being published in the US soon?? So hopefully they’ll be available around the world! (I know Aussie authors are sometimes hard to get out of Australia.)

You’ve totally sold me on wanting to read The Timekeeper. I still haven’t read any Patrick Rothfuss and is it horrible that he reminds me of Hagar from Harry Potter? Of course, I love Hagar and he’s one of my favorite characters so that’s a good thing in MY mind but maybe not in his? It’s been one of those days already, what can I say?

I’ve read Victoria Aveyard (did I spell that right???) this year, although I’m still currently reading Red Queen. I’ve actually read a ton of new authors this year, but I can’t seem to remember all of their names… Um… Betsy Schow? I think that was her name? She wrote Spelled, which was actually very good… I also discovered MARISSA MEYER!!!!! AAAAAHHHHHH!!!! Her books are, like, my absolute favorite. (I actually received Cinder as a gift for winning Camp NaNo in April [my goal was 25k, but I hit 50k], and that is how my obsession began…)

ALSO!! I got to actually MEET HER!!!! AGH!!! It was amazing! I got to hear her talk about her new book, Heartless, and also about The Lunar Chronicles and her future writerly plans, and then I got to have her sign my copy of Heartless AND SHE PERSONALIZED IT WITH MY NAME!!!!!!!

OMG I’M VERY VERY GLAD YOU DISCOVERED MARISSA MEYER. BECAUSE NO ONE’S LIFE IS COMPLETE WITHOUT A BIT OF MARISSA MEYER IN IT. *flails endlessly over the Lunar chronicles* And omg I really want to read Spelled! Someday.😂 My TBR list is way too ridiculous atm. And you even got to meet Marissa Meyer? LIKE OMG YOU ARE THE LUCKIEST THING OF EVER.

(I’m sure authors secretly like it when they see their fans in overexcited messes. I mean, it must be a seriously good boost for their confidence that they’re books are working, right?!😂)

Oh my goodness, I know!! She’s like my favorite author ever!!! And Spelled was actually a really good read! I definitely recommend it, but I can totally relate to excessive TBR’s… Not to mention I’m in a reading slump???? What is WRONG with me???

Oh my goodness, I know!!!!! I’m still fangirling!!!!

Haha! I surely hope so!!! Otherwise I was just an hysterical lunatic???

Stacey Lee is on my list, too! And I absolutely LOVE Jenny Han – I started reading her books last year (I think?) and they’re just perfect adorable fluff. I’m so excited for Always and Forever, Lara Jean next year!

When I was putting together my list, I noticed that a LOT of the authors were authors who I probably should have read AGES ago. For instance: somehow, I’d never read a Leigh Bardugo book before this year. Or a Kristin Cashore book. Or a Ruta Sepetys book. How did that even happen? And I’m sure that there are even more popular authors whose books I haven’t read who’ll just end up on my list for next year.Clara @ Lost in My Library recently posted…Top Ten New-to-Me Authors I Read in 2016

I still have to read PS I Still Love You BUT I WILL LIKE THIS WEEK PROBABLY BECAUSE I’M SO EXCITED AND FAJDKSLAFD. *shrieks from the hilltops* Just so long as my ship sails. Or else I will not be okay.

eeep, I’m so glad you discovered Leigh Bardguo. I approve of your life choices.😍

Patrick Rothfuss is life!!! So much love for The Name of the Wind (but omg I really need to get on and read Wise Man’s Fear!). This was definitely a tricky topic to do this week because picking just 10 authors that you read for the first time this year and loved? HAH. Well then. I decided to go by picking those that weren’t debuts – but Jennifer L. Armentrout should have totally made the cut on my list! I read Covenant this year by her and I just loved it. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to jump on the bandwagon!

Also you make me want to weep with jealousy that I did not get around to buying/reading Timekeeper because goodness gracious me it sounds amazing. Can someone please pause time so I can get to all these magnificent books?!

I’ve just got the audio of A Wise Man’s Fear and FJDAKSLFD I’M LIKE DESPERATE TO READ IT AND ALSO DON’T WANT TO BECAUSE IT’S THE LAST ONE. And like maybe I’ll be 94 before the finale comes out??? Can my fragile soul handle this kind of stress? I THINK NOT. (Kvothe though, is a genius idiot darling.)

This is an amazing list and also a really great reminder that I need to read some more because every single one of these is still on my TBR and I want to read them all, like now! Except for To All The Boys I loved Before. I already read and loved that one and I can’t wait for the third book next year! <3
I haven't met any authors yet in real life either. Well, I kind of met one author. He was a Belgian author who I loved and was signing at a book fair here in Belgium and so I went with my book to get it signed! But then when I got there there was nobody in line and I was too anxious to just step right up to him so I just awkwardly browsed books in the area, waiting for someone else to go so I could sneakily get behind them. Until my husband got tired of that and took my book to get signed for me. Awkward is basically my middle name 🙂 So yes, I still need to work up to face-to-face meeting!Lindsey @ Lindsey Reads recently posted…Top Ten Authors I Read For The First Time In 2016 {Top Ten Tuesday}

AHhh I’m glad we have Jenny Han in common than! And omg I actually still need to read PS I Love You.😂 Because I’m a slacker and I’m actually really freakishly nervous my ship won’t sale. WHEN IT MUST SALE OR I WILL BE DISTRAUGHT. *howls*

Omg I totally would relate to your awkward signing experience! I’d probably do that too. Actually I’d probably chicken out fully and run away.😂 Part of me does want to meet an author?! But part of me doesn’t because I’d just be SO SHY and I probably would barely be able to shout that I like their book! GAH.😂

Okay.. whooo… Authors I discovered this year!
-Maggie Stiefvater <3
-V.E.Schwab
-Brandon Sanderson (adult fantasy) *wink wink*
-Ruta Sepetys
-Madeline Miller
And Ryan North! to name a few xD There are still loads of authors I've wanted to dive into but haven't yet
Hahaa you're so relatable, 'stealing' your sister's things and whatnot, I do it too. I do it too. 😛

May I make a request?
GET WATTPAD RIGHT NOW SO THAT I CAN READ YOUR WONDERFUL SOUNDING BOOKS OR ELSE I WILL FLY MY DRAGON TO AUSTRALIA AND HIT YOU ON THE HEAD WITH A BOOK.
Woah, that actually sounded really mean I’m sorry!!
But yeah.
There will be consequences…
But please don’t feel pressured to share your work with the world!
Simi (a very calm, totally not aggressive person) 🙂
P.S. I know this is completely irrelevant to this post but I’ve just been reading about your NaNo ghost story thing and it sounds like perfection but I’m very distraught that I can’t read it.

I think I’ve read just about every book Jennifer L. Armentrout has written and a lot of the books under her other name J.Lynn. I love all her books, even if a lot of the characters she writes are the same character, I just don’t care because I love her writing so much.

Aww, that’s sad! I want to try all the JLA books, personally. 🙂 And YES I do hope the Rothfuss trilogy gets finished soon. I’m about to listen to book 2 but I’m sooo scared it’ll have a cliffhanger and it’ll be like waiting for Winds of Winter all over again.😭😭

I haven’t really discovered any new authors this year, thanks to my reading slump. 🙁 I’ve only read books from a couple of the authors on your list. I’ve read Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Obsidian, which was pretty derivative (it’s pretty much just Twilight with aliens) and Stacey Lee’s Under a Painted Sky (which I probably liked a bit more than you did; I still need to get my hands on some of her other books).

Agh, I hope this reading slump of yours ends soon! You need to find some really excellent books to try, right?! I’m tempted to try ALL the JLA books…but who knows when I’ll get around to it.🙈🙊 My biggest problem with Under A Painted Sky was that I JUST finished reading Walk On Earth A Stranger which I adored. So I think if I’d read UAPS later I would’ve done better with it??

I was also introduced to Jennifer L. Armentrout this year. I also read a V.E. Schwab book for the first time. Vicious is sooo good! I seem to only like her adult books though. I was also introduced to Maggie Stiefvater, from your recommendation. I read the entire series in like two weeks. It was so good and I am still upset that that the ending makes it seem like there is supposed to be another book. Why?! Why?! I haven’t read anything by Patrick Rothfuss, but I want to. I heard that Lin-Manuel Miranda might writing some songs for Patrick Rothfuss’s books. I have been listening to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical Hamilton all weekend. I didn’t like it at first but now I have listened to the whole things twice (while coloring a Game of Thrones coloring book:). I love it! Have you listened to Hamilton? Its soooo good, and I highly recommend it.

OMG SCHWAB IS AMAZING. Like she’s my #2 author after Maggie Stiefvater.😍 And I’m like ENDLESSLY excited that I converted you to Stiefvaterness. (And did you hear she’s writing a Ronan-centred trilogy?!?! SO THERE WILL BE MORE. 😍😍😍) Are you going to try the Shiver series? Or Lament/Ballad? And omg please try The Scorpio Races because that story literally melts me into a bundle of squished feels.

And YES I heard that about Lin-Manuel Miranda! He’s doing the score for the movie, right?? I’M SO EXCITED. It’ll make an absolutely fantastic movie.

WHY YES I HAVE MET AN AUTHOR, HER NAME WAS MAGGIE STIEFVATER! AND ANOTHER, HER NAME WAS CAROL ANN DUFFY! Who are two of my utter faves and, gah, I’m just having wonderful flashbacks now!

Patrick Rothfuss’ beard is like #goals. Also his name?? I wonder if it’s his real name. It’s just got that FANTASY STRENGTH, the same way Maggie Stiefvater and Jonathan Stroud *sound* like WONDERFUL FANTASY AUTHORS ANY TWIT WOULD LIKE TO READ. My name does not sound like that at all. ~cries for a million years~

Favourite new-to-mes? E Lockhart (I mean, I’ve still not read anything other than We Were Liars, oops, but I will!). Cormac McCarthy (again, only read one of his books.) I’m really struggling suddenly? Forgetting every author I’ve ever read?? Hmm. I actually don’t know!

DUDE, JUST RUB IT IN WHY DON’T YOU. OMG I WANT TO MEET MAGGIE STEIFVATER SO BAD. Although I think she’s kind of probably too fabulous and I’d be just intimidated so much I would lie on the floor and become an actual piece of carpet. BUT YEAH.

And omg these authors get all the best names right?! I look at my name and I’m like “PARENTS, HOW DARE YOU NOT NAME ME A GOOD NAME FOR A FANTASY AUTHOR.” If I ever have children, I’ll name them epically so they have future career options.

Ah, excellent point about “meeting” new authors re: no expectations. I agree! There is something thrilling about new authors for that reason. I actually haven’t read any of the authors you’ve featured here, but I can see that I probably should as you have some pretty great things to say about them. I know FOR SURE I would love Patrick Rothfuss, but it is definitely a matter of carving out time because you’re right about those lengthy adult fantasy books. Great post btw!Aylee recently posted…Top Ten Authors I Read For The First Time In 2016

Oooh, yes do try Patrick Rothfuss if you get a chance! SO WORTH IT. Even if the book takes like 90 years to devour.😂 Or well, I think the audio is like 40hrs? Or maybe a bit less than that, hehe. (I mean, I COULD CHECK but also I’m too lazy right now. Ahem.) I’m so glad you liked the post! THANKS!

How have I not read ANY of these books?! What DID I read this year!?!? lol Serpent King is definitely going on my TBR though. And now that I’m caught up on GoT, I have room in my life for a new fantasy series… I think it needs to be The Name of the Wind.

OMG WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING WITH YOUR LIFE!! (Okay hehe I can’t talk. I’ve read tons of books and yet still feel like I haven’t read any?!) And The Name of the Wind is VERY different to Game of Thrones and actually less stressful.😂 So a good replacement haha.

Timekeepers is at the VERY top of my most want to read list. And has been for a couple months now. I’m getting it for Christmas and I cannot wait! I don’t think it’ll last the day which will be a shame because I’m expecting to love it and then it’ll be over.

I also had JUST read Walk on Earth a Stranger which is the same sort of plot/setting but I really loved it a looooot, so I think Under A Painted Sky just came at a bad time for me. It had too much to live up to.😂 hehe.

The Name of the Wind is a huge time commitment BUT WORTH IT. KVOTHE IS ADORABLE AND STUPID AND A GENIUS.

OMG YES TO ALL OF THESE. Stacey Lee and Jennifer L. Armentrout are two amazing authors so I am so glad to see them on your list as well. 🙂 Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous choices! <3Zoe @ Stories on Stage recently posted…Blood for Blood

DUDE WAIT WHAT. HOW DID I NOT KNOW THEY’D CHANGED THE COVERS. HOW DARE THEY. I SHALL SCREAM NOW. Like how am I going to collect the series if they’ve ruined the covers???? 😱😱 I have standards to uphold here.

And I’m glad I’m not the only one who can’t read then.😂 I was actually talking to my sister about Fantastic Beasts and I’m like “And Eddie Raymond–” And she’s like “YOU MEAN REDMAYNE???” Because…I can’t read.

Oh nooooo I’ve only read one of these books!! Of course there are like five of these on my TBR that I’ve never gotten to. The Serpent King is at like, the very very top of the list. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before was ADORABLE. I’m currently reading the sequel but I’m really not liking it, unfortunately. (And it’s ok, I haven’t read Gemina either. I bought it….but haven’t read it.)

I don’t even generally like contemporary and I FELL ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE. WHY IS IT SO DARN CUTE.😍 But awk that’s not good about the sequel. I haven’t actually read it yet because I NEED MORE TIME IN MY DAY. And why is Gemina so intimidating.😭 I’m sure it’ll be beyond glorious but also…help it’s huge.

I’ve been wondering whether or not to read Patrick Rothfuss and Jennifer L. Armentrout! I was introduced to a lot of the heavy hitters this year – Renee Ahdieh, Maggie Stiefvater, Rainbow Rowell, and JK Rowling, to name just a few.

WELL I’M GLAD SOMEONE GOT MY REFERENCE. YOU GET ALL THE CAKE TODAY MY FRIEND.

Omgggg, you read Maggie Stiefvater?! MY YEAR IS VERY HAPPY NOW. *throws confetti in your face* And Renee Ahdieh is marvellous and I’m so excited for her Mulan retelling that’s coming out soon. I think next year? But possibly the year after. I NEED IT.😍

wow, those are beautiful book pictures that you have there.
I’m sad to say that I haven’t read any of the authors you mentioned. Jenny Han, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Patrick Rothfuss are on my TBR list though. Can’t wait to read their books finally!istiningdyah @ Kuroneko Book Club recently posted…Top 5 Books You Want to Finally Read in 2017

YOUR LIBRARY SENDS YOU EMAILS WHEN THEY GET NEW BOOKS?? THAT IS LIKE MAGIC. My library is one room and I’m actually volunteering to catalog their books into a computer system for them. *NERVOUS LAUGHTER AHEM* But it’s super cute anyway. ALSO I REALLY APPRECIATE HOW AESTHETIC THESE COLLAGES ARE. :”’) Especially the one you did for Jenny Han it’s SO PINK AND LOVELY. <3 I really want to read that book. YOU MAKE THEM ALL LOOK SO PRETTY OMG.Abbiee recently posted…I Finished My Novel (Snippets + Confetti + Character Karaoke Tag)

I KNOW RIGHT?! THIS IS WHY WE’RE BEST FRIENDS, CLEARLY, EVEN IF IT’S A BRICK BUILDING AND I AM A LITTLE DRAGON QUEEN. But friendships can come in odd shapes and sizes. #truth

Aww, you’re still cataloguing your books into a computer system?! hehe. That makes me laugh! QUITE CUTE LITTLE LIBRARY!😂 Okay, um, I can’t really laugh because my YA section is seriously 2 shelves. Small shelves. -_- But at least I have a big library branch so I can get in a lot of reserves!

And THANK YOU. I’m really pleased with how it all turned out looking.😍

I really liked Rebel of the Sands – but otherwise I feel I too am way behind on some debt and big name authors. I mean The Lunar Chronicles Series, Anything by Leigh Bardugo or Jay Kristoff…. I have so many books on my TBR pile that I seem to avoiding anything that has a lot of hype just in case I don’t love it….

Otherwise great post – and more books added to my wish list lol. Curse these top ten posts! lol

I totally get that! HYPE IS SCARY. And sometimes people aren’t really forgiving when someone doesn’t like a big-name-hyped-up-book, right?! *huddles in a blanket fort and hides* But I do hope you try Leigh Bardugo someday. SHE’S MY FAVOURITE.😍 (No pressure, hehe.)

Rufus? Na. But I used to think, Patrick Rothfuss was German, because his Name looks like a German name. I should have known, German Fantasy is never that good. Hmm.

Also I’m YEARNING to read the third “installment” of the Kingkiller Chronicles. Don’t worry, with GRRM in charge as the leading Adult Fantasy author we will all have to learn patience soon enough… Though, honestly, when you take your time with the Song of Ice and Fire, which I haven’t finished yet, I’m currently safe. My friend knows a lot about patience, she still isn’t allowed to discuss with me about it…

It’s possible he has German roots, right?! My last name is German but I’m Australian haha (but my great-grandparents were German!).

Agh, I’m so annoyed with myself because I read ALL the Game of Thrones books last year. AND NOW HERE I AM, WEEPING AND IN PAIN WITH CLIFFHANGERS.😭 And apparently Winds of Winter isn’t even the last book??? Ugh. We’re in for torture forEVER.

Hi. OMG, your pictures are always the best! 🙂 I had to read the post several times because I couldn’t stop staring at the pictures. lol Beautiful. I liked my first Jenny Han book. I haven’t had the time to get back for another. Great post!My TTT
Leslie

Oh! Ooh! I found out about C.B. Cook this year! Well, I read her blog a lot last year, but I read her books this year! Her debut – a novella – is kinda sub-par. But her other book IS AMAZING. It’s Twinepathy. Twin teen superheroes with a secret organization. I was SO worried that Albany (who has the same MBTI as me – the first time I’ve found an INTP in a book) would be a Special Snowflake – but she’s one of the lesser powerful people! It JUST SUCH AN AWESOME BOOK. I – I can’t even.

Jenny Han is pretty awesome. I read her Middle Grade fiction book Shug last year and really liked it. Read To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and it was so lovely <3

Almost skipped over The Problem with Forever because I thought it would be a beautiful book with a trashy plot. Well, not trashy but… overused? Very romanc-y. Stuff that'd make me cringe? But I checked it out on Goodreads and now I wanna get it!

Ooh, I didn’t actually know she wrote middle-grade! I’ll have to check that out after I read her YA ones. 😊 I’ve only read To All the Boys so far but I’m going to devour PS I Still Love You before the year is over. I KNOW I SAHLL.

And duuuude, noooo, the Problem With Forever is NOT trashy. Trust me! It’s definitely still a romance, but it has a great mental illness representation and it’s got damaged but lovely characters (and like some good YA parents there?!? Which is amazing and not often found.😂) and it’s just really beautiful.

YOU ARE MOST WELCOME. I’M HERE TO MAKE YOUR TBR FALL ON YOUR HEAD MOST GLORIOUSLY.

I haven’t read a book by any of these authors! For shame! But I do want to read books by Jenny Han and Patrick Rothfuss! I only hear good things about their books!
~SaraSara Strauss recently posted…Outfit: Nerdy Hufflepuff

Stacey Lee is also on my list that I didn’t actually make! (Well, I DID make a list, but on the comment section of Holly post… that totally counts, right?) Now, a lot of these WOULD be on my list, but I don’t count debuts, because well, they are new to everyone and it doesn’t seem fair. BUT I will also say that The Serpent King is the best book I read this year, so there’s that. Also, I liked Rebel of the Sands. And I want to read Sidekicks really badly. ALSO loved Molly Pierce, still need to read Katrina’s next book. I own it, I think. ::Checks 7383 books. Finds book:: I actually have the (slightly) less ugly ARC cover, so, win? Win. I LOVE Jenny Han’s Lara Jean books. SO. MUCH. OH and are you trying to tell me that Rufus up there ISN’T a wizard? Because I don’t believe you. I think he was in a few Harry Potter films. Not that I saw any of them. It just feels like he should be. I like his style.Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight recently posted…Review: Iceling by Sasha Stephenson

Oh that TOTALLY counts. *nods* 😂 And Stacey Lee is so fantastic and like she writes so many books?!? Which is awesome because I want to devour them all immediately. And I knoooow debuts probably shouldn’t count for this list BUT I COULDN’T HELP MYSELF. I need every opportunity to mention The Serpent King!! I’m going to be that enormously annoying rabid fan who just sits here shouting how good it is all the time.😂

OMG I WISH THEY HADN’T CHANGED THE COVER OF THE LOST & FOUND. Cruel fiends. *sobs wildly* The ARC cover is like gorgeous??? And cute??? And this green ugly pen nib actually hurts my soul.

I’m like 99% Patrick Rothfuss is probably Hagrid’s child. Or cousin. Or something.

I still haven’t read The Serpent King. I promise to fix it soon. Katrina Leno is a new to me author, I’ll check out her books, thanks for putting her on my radar. I also have Under a Painted Sky on my tbr-list for like forever. Have you read Stacey Lee’s latest book The Secret of a Heart Note? So many friends pushed it my way.Ksenia @ Something Delicate recently posted…How Sam Claflin ruined 3 movie adaptations for me

I’ve met quite a lot of authors actually but most of them are French. The only two who weren’t were Amy Armon (that I met last Sunday) and Cat Clarke (I looooove her last novel so much). I go to two book fairs each year, one being the biggest book fair for youth literature in France. Meeting authors is so interesting.
Oh and I went to a lecture (I think that’s how you call it, not sure though) of Chris Colfer (not super proud at all).
And … What does POC mean please? ^^

I’m so sad I haven’t read any yet except Rothfuss, he’s been a fav for a long time now.. on the flip side of that I’m also happy because it means I get to discover all of them in 2017 including Gemina!K M Tanner recently posted…Always Books. Never Boring.

Yes SO FREAKING INCREDIBLE! I can’t wait to see what they do with the series and movie. And seriously Rothfuss needs to hurry up and write the 3rd one. I’ve read both books twice and loved the slow regard of silent things too. So cute, Auri is my fav!K M Tanner recently posted…25 Last Minute Gifts for Book Lovers

I have a master plan about Gemina though. My sister will receive a well thought-out plan of Christmas books. And see here, it’s not a well devised plot on my part, I’m actually saving her money!! She always sends me like a hundred for Christmas, and I don’t know what to do with it cause Paypal is nearly crippled in my country. But if she buys me a few books on Amazon she will both save money and time! Now am I not a genius hero. Totally selfless. And do you want to guess if Becky Chambers’ sequel and Gemina will be on the list? Ha HA! To my clever ruse /clinks glasses and toasts

The only author I’ve read from this list is Jennifer L. Armentrout .. All the others are new to me! Thanks Cait I’m gonna look them up on Goodreads! And as always Hilarious post! You always make me laugh 😀 I desperately NEED to read Jenny Han soon! Her books sound freaking amazing!!

Of your list I have only read Jenny Han and I read both of her books (To All the Boys I’ve ever loved and PS I still love you) this year itself.
The list is very intriguing Cait and I’m tempted to leave my current book and dive straight into these!

Jenny Han and Jennifer Arnout have been on my TBR for ages ):
I loved Rebel in the Sands! And I’ve have The Name of the Wind waiting in my boomshelf, definitely excited to check out Patrick Rothfuss!Cyn @ Bookmunchies recently posted…Review: Gemina by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

I haven’t read books by any of these authors…yet! But I have heard such good things about “Rebel of the Sands” – and even though I don’t usually read YA or fantasy- the reviews have me excited to read it in 2017. Glad to hear that you enjoyed it, too. Your animated enjoyment of things always cracks me up! : )

YES finding new authors is the best thing ever. This year I discovered the amazingness of Maggie Stiefvater and my life has forever been changed. I also read two of Ruta Sepetys’ novels and again changed my life.

If you ever get a chance to see Patrick Rothfuss in person, DO IT. I got to go to his talk at a Comicon, and I swear, I think I’ve laughed less going to a comedy club. He’s a hoot! It was one of the best readings I’ve ever gone to.

Alwyn Hamilton! Sona Charaipotra! (Did I spell that right?) Dhonielle Clayton! WHAT AN AMAZING LIST. I haven’t read any of Jennifer Aremnout’s books yet – they just don’t seem very appealing to me, but maybe soon?

Jenny Han!! I discovered her this year too and I LOVE her!! And there is another sequel in the Lara Jean story coming out next year. Yay!!! Can’t wait for that one. I just bought Serpent King because there was a sale and I am even more excited to read it now that I see how much you love it. And the Half-Life of Molly Pierce was SO GOOD!! Great list!Cynthia @ Bingeing On Books recently posted…REVIEW: Did I Mention I Love You (The Dimily Trilogy #1)

I’m so so excited that there’ll be more Lara Jean books! 2017 IS GOING TO BE SUCH AN AMAZING YEAR FOR BOOKS OMG. And The Serpent King is an excellent buying decision. *nods* Just be sure you have comfort ice cream on hand.😂

We can bask in our mutual love for Tara Sim because I already know that I will read absolutely everything and anything that she ever writes. Timekeeper was so absolutely adorable and beautiful and I read it in less than 24 hours. I need more Sim things right now.

I read Will Kostakis for the first time this year, too! Oh, and The Sidekicks is #ownvoices as well, because one of the POV MCs is gay, as is Will. *cheers*

I read And I Darken this year which was my first Kiersten White book! Even though i have owned Paranormalcy for YEARS and never read it, haha. I can now say that I finally do want to pick it up because And I Darken is a fave book of mine now!

YESSS WE CAN!! I think Tara Sim needs to write a couple of books per year, tbh, just for us. <3 And YES Will Kostakis is amazing and I'm kind of annoyed I didn't read The Third Wheel earlier than this?!? 😂

I read Mind Games by Keirsten White but it didn't do anything for me??? Whereas And I Darken = gorgeous incredibleness. I need And I Rise IMMEDIATELY. But I have a super bad feeling that something I love is going to get stabbed. Just knowing Lada and Radu honestly.

That's the only problem with reading so much, right?! Forgetting everything by the time we get to the end of the year.🙈🙊